The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County (@arshtcenter) is proud to announce the launch of THE ARSHT HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATER AWARDS PROGRAM, affectionately referred to as THE ARSHTIES, a new annual program designed to celebrate, elevate and expand musical theater education in Miami-Dade County high schools. This marks the Adrienne Arsht Center’s latest investment in arts education, offering students and teachers professional-level experiences and recognition for their work both on and off the stage. The development of The Arshties was funded by The Children’s Trust. The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County.
Open to all Miami-Dade County public, private and charter high schools producing a musical between October 2025 and May 2 2026, The Arshties will provide students with access to Broadway-caliber master classes, feedback from theater professionals and technical theater training – all culminating in a Tony Awards-style showcase on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Knight Concert Hall. At the showcase, two local student performers will be selected to represent Miami-Dade County at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (the Jimmy Awards®) in New York City.
For a full list of award categories, eligibility requirements and registration information, visit ArshtCenter.org/Arshties
ABOUT ARSHT IMPACT PROGRAMS
The Arshties is one of more than a dozen free-admission Arsht Impact programs that create magical experiences and enrich the lives of 120,000 people of all ages in Miami. Programs include: Arsht for Miami, a vibrant series of free community events for all ages; Gospel Fest Miami, a six-month celebration of gospel music’s rich history and vibrant culture; Heritage Fest, an all-ages event that celebrates Black artists in our community; AileyCamp Miami, a full-scholarship, six-week summer camp which uses dance as a vehicle for the personal development of young people; CommuniTea Dance, an annual celebration honoring Miami’s LGBTQ+ community; Arsht on the Road, a series of pop-up performances that bring the arts into Miami-Dade County’s diverse neighborhoods; Arsht Plus, interactive pre- and post-show experiences connecting audiences more deeply with each Broadway, classical and dance performance; Accessing the Arts Residencies, performance workshops for children and adults with disabilities; and Brushes with Cancer, a program that matches artists with patients, survivors and caregivers touched by cancer to create art reflective of their journeys.
*All programs, artists, ticket prices, availability, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Ticket prices include fees. Visit ArshtCenter.org for up-to-date information.
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is made possible by the public support of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council and the City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, and the state of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Adrienne Arsht Center also receives generous support from individuals, corporations and local, state and national foundations.
